Meadowfoam Limnanthes alba Benth. is a low growing herbaceous winter annual that is adapted to poorly drained soils. Limnanthes means marshflower and the common name Meadowfoam arose due to the appearance, at full bloom, of its solid canopy of creamy white flowers. Meadowfoam is native to northern California, southern Oregon, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The oil from meadowfoam seed has unique chemical properties that make it one of the most stable vegetable oils known. Research and development of meadowfoam began in the late 1950s as the result of a USDA search for plants that might provide a renewable source of raw materials for industry. Commercial development began in 1980 on an experimental 35 acre farm scale operation in Oregon. However, the lack of consistent funding has slowed the development of both the agronomic and the oil utilization aspects of this unique renewable oil resource.

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Website: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/meadowfoam.html